Meta’s Open Source AI Is Contributing to Economic Growth, Study Finds

On May 21, 2025, a study by the Linux Foundation Research, commissioned by Meta, highlighted the economic benefits of open-source AI models. The report, titled “The Economic and Workforce Impacts of Open Source AI,” indicates that nearly 90% of organizations utilizing AI incorporate open-source technologies into their systems.

Cost-effectiveness stands out as a primary advantage. Two-thirds of surveyed organizations believe that deploying open-source AI is more economical than proprietary alternatives. Smaller businesses, in particular, are adopting these models at a higher rate, leveraging them to develop custom AI applications without significant financial burdens.

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Meta’s Llama model exemplifies this trend, having been downloaded 1.2 billion times. Its accessibility has enabled a wide range of users, from startups to established enterprises, to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their operations.

Industries such as manufacturing and healthcare are experiencing significant transformations due to open-source AI. In manufacturing, AI streamlines processes and enhances efficiency, while in healthcare, it aids in diagnostics and early disease detection. McKinsey & Company projects that AI could add between $170 billion and $290 billion to the advanced manufacturing industry and between $150 billion and $260 billion to the global healthcare sector.

Meta’s commitment to open-source AI reflects a broader industry shift towards more accessible and collaborative technological development, driving innovation and economic growth across various sectors.